Recall, if you don’t need to create your own maps, you can also simply search and discover via Finder! then save a copy of the dataset as a Google KML file, SHP file, or CSV if applicable.
Microsoft, Google, or Yahoo!, Open StreetMap, NASA BlueMarble (if applicable) using roads, satellite, hybrid, terrain, or a solid view and set the tint level as desired.
An interesting user scenario… Imagine, with thousands of user-contributed data products available, conducting a search yields many result. For example, search oil and you’ll have access to Hurricane Ike’s Potential Impact on Oil. What’s way cool is to see maps saved by others… perhaps one that mashes together the following data: wikipedia global oil, NOAA forecast of storm force wind speed, and top oil producers.
Start off by Finding data
Data showing almost any variable you can imagine is available!
Many pre-defined categories of data are provided
Once you locate data you can easily download and save in multiple formats
About Maker
Features of Maker!
– Maker Homepage, provides a search for Maker maps, a count of you maps and a link to "My Maps", a list of popular shared maps, a video introduction to Maker, and a brief explanation of Maker.
My First Maker! Map
The first step in creating your map using Maker! is locating data – I searched for FCC wireless subscribers for my map
I can then select the style for thematic display
Options for classification of data are presented with samples
Then assign color ramp, symbology, even cartographic effects like shadow and opacity.
Preview the map prior to saving it
Select a basemap from a number of options including Google maps, Yahoo!, Microsoft Virtual Earth, Open StreetMap
Save your map and share it
Comments
– It’s simple, useful, and it works!
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